Modern hanging planter

Cathy's Crafty Corner Modern hanging planter

by Cathy Monrad

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

The most difficult pre-step required to create this project is finding a container and metal ring that will work together. I purchased the rings first and did not find a properly sized container until store number four. I am not convinced that I would have had better luck choosing a planter first; the metal rings at my go-to craft paradise only come in certain diameters. The rest of the project was easy and fast—in less than an hour, this cute little ‘String of Bananas’ was hanging out enjoying the sunshine.

MATERIALS Metal rings: 1 small and 2 large 2 pieces of floral wire cut to 4 inch lengths Twine or string in desired color Small dish or pot (sized to nestle or sit within the small ring) White glue (optional) TOOLS Wire cutters Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Hold the small and one large ring together. Leaving a one inch tail of wire, tightly wrap wire around both rings until the wrapped wire spans about a ¼ inch. Twist wire ends together, bend twisted wires down flat, and cut off excess. (See Figure 1) 2. Repeat step 2 to attach the remaining ring to the opposite side of small ring. 3. Cut a 6 inch length of twine or string. Leaving a two inch tail, wrap twine over wire to completely cover. Tie ends with a square knot and cut off excess twine. If desired, dab a bit of glue on knot to guard against unraveling. 4. Repeat step 4 on the opposite side. 5. Fold the larger rings up until they meet.

6. Cut a 24 inch length of twine and fold in half. Place the folded twine through the large wrings and loop the ends through the fold to create a larks head knot. (See Figure 2) 7. At this point, you can simply knot a loop at the end of the twine to hang on a hook, or you can get creative and tie macrame knots before making the loop; there are scads of howto video tutorials on the internet if you are not familiar with the techniques. 8. Optional: if container does not nest evenly in the ring, wrap and tie 6 inch pieces of twine halfway between connections. (See Figure 3) 9. Pot a plant and hang it!

Cathy Monrad is the graphic designer and garden crafter for Upstate Gardeners' Journal.